1. Collection Management Systems

2. Evaluation accessioning finding aids EAD support migration
long-term use (wide support system over time)
clean interface on the front end and back
simplified usability
compatible with latest technologies (including future technology)
easy authority control
easy installation and setup

3. Collection Management Systems
ArchivesSpace
CollectiveAccess
ICA-AtoM
Eloquent Archives
Cuadra STAR

4. ArchivesSpace | PROS +
Built-in public interface for finding aids directly from the ArchiveSpace system
Supports exports of EAD, MARCXML, MODS, METS, EAC-CPF and DC
Repository manager can configure the plugin to provide access to selected resource data in the formats of EAD, MARCXML, and HTML and PDF conversions of the EAD
Repository manager can configure the plugin to provide access to digital object data in the formats of Dublin Core, MODS, and METS
Can fully replace Archivists’ Toolkit functionalities

5. ArchivesSpace | PROS +
Uses some Archivists’ Toolkit and Archon features and plugins
Controlled value lists
Clear accession management
Supports imports of CVS
Authority control (for people, corporate bodies, families, subjects, classifications, software)
Archival description (drag and drop user interface)

6. ArchivesSpace | PROS + Metadata management for digital objects
Good public interface
Strong migration capabilities (esp. Archivists’ Toolkit and Archon)
Easy to use and maintain

7. ArchivesSpace | CONS - Poor support Lacks instructions
Reported clunky interface
Uncertain defining properties
May lack long-term use with digital assets like other CMS
Design lacks customizability

15. CollectiveAccess | PROS +
Drupal compatibility with content
Much easier to use than most CMS
Classification (change fields)
Dynamic data
Strong visual display
Customized step up for accessioning items

16. CollectiveAccess | PROS +
Easy to customize
Catalog and track collection artifacts
Track accession records
Authority control
Clean interface
Compatible to any browser

17. CollectiveAccess | PROS +
Integrated features and tools (Library Congress, Getty, etc.)
Extensive plugins
Easy to generate finding aids
Exports finding aids to PDF or other spreadsheet formats
Supports EAD and DACS exportation

18. CollectiveAccess | PROS +
Uses Dublin Core, PBCore, VRA Core and other standards
Flexible coding for other customizations
Resolution for media
Digital asset (media and content) compatible
Multilevel description
Open-source

19. CollectiveAccess | CONS -
Limited guides
Limited documentation
Initial taxonomy descriptions
Not primarily intended as an archives management tool (often used between archives and museums as a digital collection)
Fair amount of configuration and set up
DACS configuration
Troubleshooting with finding aids

29. ICA-AtoM | PROS +
Standards in exports and data mapping of EAD, EAC, SKOS, DC, MODS, etc.
Clean interface
Wide user support
Consistently upgraded
Stand-alone image records
More controlled finding aids

30. ICA-AtoM | PROS + Flexibility of metadata
User-friendly for researchers
EAD finding aid support
VRA core for image records
Instructions and online guide (including Wiki)

31. ICA-AtoM | PROS + Accessible web-base tools
Direct access to record-level information
Contextual navigation for larger collections
Accession module for workflow
Web-based

32. ICA-AtoM | CONS - Problems in importing XML files
Difficulty with migrating old accession numbers (however, new releases fixing this issue)
External software or storage for preservation methods
Web-based

33. ICA-AtoM | CONS - Errors in functionality
Security issues (old version issue)
Taxonomy glitches
Authenticated user relationships to Accession records

45. Eloquent Archives | PROS +
Easy to use
Allows immediate descriptions
Easy workflow
Some customization
Data mapping

46. Eloquent Archives | PROS +
Expansive features
Fair migration
Linking media content to descriptive items
Accomplish standard archive processes
Fair communication and support
Affordable

47. Eloquent Archives | CONS -
Lacks guides
Compatibility issues
Limited documentation
Weak navigation and searchability
Some difficulties importing and exporting

48. Eloquent Archives | CONS -
Lacks some basic functionality for defining information
Finding Aid Exports (EAD)
Internal architecture
Reported to “becoming outdated”

49. Cuadra STAR| PROS +
Great support (immediate responses and community based)
On-site preservation of data
Clean searchability (keyword or browse)
Easy accessioning and processing functions

50. Cuadra STAR| PROS +
Accommodates diverse types of media content (.pdf, .jpg, .mp3, .wav, etc.)
Hierarchy of series levels
Various options for descriptions
Easier to generate EAD

51. Cuadra STAR| PROS +
Uses DACS, EAD, MARC, ISAD (g), and Dublin Core standards
Administrative interface and authoritative features
Upload files directly to the catalog
Customization
Removes repetitive efforts for information

52. Cuadra STAR| CONS - Finding aid difficulties with XML (Exporting EADS)
Hierarchy usability
Specific software limitations
Display navigation
Reported to “be outdated”